>>>The Korean military and even our military (for a time) used TKD as a viable means of self defense for its troops. I would think with this being the case, there had to be some practical self defense use or it would not have been/continue to be used. I have never had a problem using TKD for real world self defense. Just like any other art, applying it properly makes the difference. <<<

FWIW I think this is a myth perpetuated by various arts whether it be TKD, Krav Maga, and others. The military teaches empty hand SD to build mental toughness, esprit De Corps and similar traits. Lets face it. If you are in any modern military you have a gun, pronably alo a knife and other goodies like grenades.

The likelyhood you will be involved in weaponless combat is extremely remote, and if it happens, something has already gone really wrong for both you and the enemy.

Well, good for him. Like I said in my original response, some TKD devotees are going to defend their art to the death. That is to be expected.

I think what happens with a lot of martial artists--and I this was certainly one of these--is that we invest so much of ourselves in our arts, so much of our time, effort and energy, that when we finally know enough to start questioning things, we freeze up. We become like the Christian fundamentalist who finally sees that Darwin was right and recoils in horror. His world is shattered--how can it be? From there, he has one of two options: either reject the new, disturbing truth or retreat deeper into denial. Either outcome is possible, but both require long periods of anxiety and mental struggle.

This isn't a myth as my own Instructor's South Korean master was a military trainer for the Korean and US Marines. Like ours originally, it was TKD blended with Hapkido; ours now has a strong BJJ blend.

_________________________"IF I COME ... I'M BRINGING THE PAIN WITH ME"

Well I agree that now things are different and unarmed combat is unlikely. But for historical accuracy I will say that my current instrcutor did teach ITF style Tae Kwon Do to the Korean military in what is now South Korea directly under General Choi. It was taught for self defense in battle field combat. I would think it did aid in conditioning. It did include defense against weapons and it did include full contact sparring and judo.

Quote:Well I agree that now things are different and unarmed combat is unlikely. But for historical accuracy I will say that my current instrcutor did teach ITF style Tae Kwon Do to the Korean military in what is now South Korea directly under General Choi. It was taught for self defense in battle field combat. I would think it did aid in conditioning. It did include defense against weapons and it did include full contact sparring and judo.

Yes this is true. It was a military Art of SD & was a modern MMA. In the beginning, it was called Tang Su Do. Then in 1954 it was called Oh Do Kwan & then TKD. Some call it Chang Hon style of TKD. It is a shame that many do not have experience with it & exposure to its syllabus, as outlined in the textbooks from 1965, 1972 & the 15 volume Encylopedia since 1983.You are very lucky to train with such a GEM! That is real or original or traditional TKD. Keep it alive! JMHO

Lord knows I have plenty of criticisms to make of TKD. However, believe it or not, kicking to the head is not as crazy as it sounds. The one time I ever used a TKD techniques to get out of a jam was when a nutjob approach me in a park and I whacked him in the head with a round kick. He went down and stayed down. Although it all happened too quick to analyze in complete detail, one thing stands out to this day: I could tell the guy never saw the kick coming. This sounds strange until you realize most people are not martial artist and do not expect to get kicked in the head.